Motorized camera with automated image capture

ABSTRACT

A motorized camera captures images of an object detected within one or more of its detection areas. The motorized camera moves or repositions its movable imaging device to target various locations, and captures one or more images including the object and before, during, or as the imaging device is moved. One or more sensors monitor the detection areas for the object and identify the detection area at which the object is present. Various operations of the motorized camera can be conditioned on specific circumstances or environmental conditions relevant to image capture or the operation of the motorized camera.

CROSS-REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATION

This application is a continuation of U.S. patent application Ser. No.13/164,358, titled Motorized Camera with Automated Panoramic ImageCapture Sequences filed Jun. 20, 2011.

BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION

1. Field of the Invention

The invention relates to automated image capture systems and inparticular to a motorized event capture camera with panoramic capturesequences.

2. Related Art

Photographs and other captured images are widely used to record events,objects, animals, and people. As such, captured images are highlydesirable for personal use and for commercial use, especially if thecaptured image is a high quality image.

Capturing a desired image can be difficult. Environmental conditionssuch as the amount and color of available light can have negativeeffects on a photograph or other captured image. In addition, dependingon the situation, there may be few vantage points which can be easily,safely, or conveniently used to capture an image. Sometimes, the idealvantage point may be hazardous or simply inconvenient. For example, fewphotographers may wish to spend a night in the mountains or a day in thedesert to capture an image. Moreover, the object to be captured may moveunpredictably. Therefore to capture a desired image of such an object agreat deal of time and patience is often required.

From the discussion that follows, it will become apparent that thepresent invention addresses the deficiencies associated with the priorart while providing numerous additional advantages and benefits notcontemplated or possible with prior art constructions.

SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION

A motorized camera capable of capturing images in an automated sequencewhen an object, such as an animal, is detected is disclosed herein. Themotorized camera is configured to capture images in response to thepresence of an object, and to automate activation/deactivation or otherfunctions. The motorized camera may be a portable design, which combinedwith the capture sequences, allow for unattended operation for longperiods of time. These and the other qualities disclosed herein make themotorized camera highly advantageous in capturing images of objects ofinterest.

Various motorized cameras are disclosed herein. For example, in oneembodiment the motorized camera comprises a movable imaging device thatcaptures images, a motor operably coupled to the movable imaging device,and a plurality of sensors. The sensors are arranged to detect thepresence of an object at one or more of a plurality of distinct areas,and to generate output identifying a particular area of the plurality ofdistinct areas when the object is detected.

A processor that receives the output and moves the movable imagingdevice to target the particular area identified in the output and one ormore adjacent areas in sequence is also included. The movable imagingdevice captures an image of the particular area and one or moreadditional images the adjacent areas during the sequence.

The motorized camera of may also include a storage device that storesthe image and the additional images, a watertight enclosure, or both. Inaddition the motorized camera may have an internal power source. Also,one or more illuminators may be provided and arranged to illuminate oneor more of the plurality of distinct areas. It is noted that theprocessor may also position the image and the additional images adjacentto one another to generate a single combined image. A rotatable mountmay support the movable imaging device.

In another exemplary embodiment, the motorized camera comprises amovable imaging device, a motor operably coupled to the movable imagingdevice; and one or more sensors arranged to detect the presence of anobject at each of a plurality of areas and, when detected, to identify aparticular area of the plurality of areas where the object is present.

In this embodiment, the motor moves the movable imaging device to targetthe particular area and one or more other areas in sequence, and themovable imaging device captures an image of the particular area and oneor more additional images of the other areas during the sequence.

A processor that positions the image and the additional images adjacentto one another to generate a single combined image may be included aswell. The motorized camera may also include a storage device that storesthe image and the additional images, a watertight enclosure, an internalpower source, or various subsets or combinations thereof. One or moreilluminators may be included to illuminate one or more of the pluralityof distinct areas. Also, a rotatable mount may support the movableimaging device.

Various methods are also disclosed herein. For example, a motorizedcamera implemented method for capturing images comprises monitoring aplurality of distinct areas with one or more sensors for the presence ofan object, detecting the object at a particular area of the plurality ofdistinct areas with the sensors, moving a movable imaging device with amotor based on output from the sensors, and capturing an image of theparticular area and one or more additional images of one or more otherareas with the movable imaging device.

The method may also include storing the image and the additional imageson a storage device. It is noted that the image and the additionalimages may be positioned adjacent to one another by the motorized camerato generate a single combined image. Also, one or more illuminators maybe activated by the motorized camera upon detecting the object.

Other systems, methods, features and advantages of the invention will beor will become apparent to one with skill in the art upon examination ofthe following figures and detailed description. It is intended that allsuch additional systems, methods, features and advantages be includedwithin this description, be within the scope of the invention, and beprotected by the accompanying claims.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

The components in the figures are not necessarily to scale, emphasisinstead being placed upon illustrating the principles of the invention.In the figures, like reference numerals designate corresponding partsthroughout the different views.

FIG. 1A is a front view of an exemplary motorized camera;

FIG. 1B is a side view of an exemplary motorized camera;

FIG. 1C is a perspective view of an exemplary motorized camera;

FIG. 2A is a cross section view of an exemplary motorized camera;

FIG. 2B is an internal view of an exemplary motorized camera;

FIG. 3 is a block diagram illustrating exemplary components of amotorized camera;

FIG. 4 illustrates an exemplary motorized camera and its detectionzones; and

FIG. 5 is a flow diagram illustrating operation of an exemplarymotorized camera.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE PREFERRED EMBODIMENTS

In the following description, numerous specific details are set forth inorder to provide a more thorough description of the present invention.It will be apparent, however, to one skilled in the art, that thepresent invention may be practiced without these specific details. Inother instances, well-known features have not been described in detailso as not to obscure the invention.

In general, the motorized camera disclosed herein provides one or moredetection zones in which objects may be detected, and then initiates oneor more automated capture sequences to capture one or more images of theobject. As will be described further below, the capture sequencescapture a set or series of one or more images (i.e., photographs) at oneor more camera positions to help ensure that an image of the subject iscaptured. This is so even if the subject is an animal, person, or objectcapable of moving or is actually moving.

The motorized camera is also advantageous in that it is, in variousembodiments, self powered and thus can be easily positioned at variouslocations. In addition, the motorized camera is capable of monitoringone or more areas for some time. This allows the motorized camera todetect and capture a number of objects or to “wait” for an object forsome time. The motorized camera may be ruggedized to withstand variousenvironments including harsh environments. In this manner, the motorizedcamera can be installed at virtually any location to capture images ofvarious subjects over time.

As will become apparent from the disclosure herein, the motorized camerais well suited for capturing images for a variety of surveillancepurposes. For example, the motorized camera may be used for security,such as by positioning or installing the motorized camera to target exitand/or entry points to a building or other structure. In addition, themotorized camera could be used indoors to protect valuable or otheritems from theft or tampering, such as by positioning or installing themotorized camera at a vantage point where it may detect people, animals,or objects which enter one or more of its detection zones. The motorizedcamera may also be used to capture wildlife images. For example, themotorized camera may be installed in a forest or other setting tocapture wildlife that enters one or more of its detection zones.

The motorized camera will now be described with regard to FIGS. 1A-1C,which illustrate various views of the motorized camera. FIG. 1A providesa front view, while FIGS. 1B and 1C respectively provide side and topperspective views of the motorized camera 104. As can be seen, themotorized camera 104 may comprise an enclosure 116 which supports orcontains the components of the motorized camera. The enclosure 116 mayalso be a structure which protects such components from the environment(e.g., humidity, moisture, extreme temperatures, physical impacts, dirt,debris, etc . . . ).

For example, as can be seen, the enclosure 116 may form an outer shellof the motorized camera 104 which supports and protects variouscomponents of the motorized camera. In one or more embodiments, theenclosure 116 may be a rigid structure for such purposes. In addition,it is contemplated that the enclosure 116 may be waterproof or waterresistant. In some embodiments, the enclosure 116 may have one or morelocks or securing mechanisms which prevent unauthorized access ortampering via access panels or doors of the enclosure.

It is contemplated that the enclosure 116 may have features whichcamouflage or hide the motorized camera 104, so that it is not readilyvisible. In some embodiments for example, the enclosure 116 may have acamouflage coating. In addition, the enclosure 116 may hide or concealone or more conspicuous components of the motorized camera. This isadvantageous, especially where a subject to be captured may behavedifferently or avoid the motorized camera 104. For example, wildlife maybe spooked by a conspicuous looking device or surveillance may bedifficult to gather if suspicious characters are aware of the motorizedcamera 104.

As stated, the enclosure 116 may support or house various components ofthe motorized camera 104. Referring to FIG. 1A for instance, it can beseen that the motorized camera 104 may have one or more illuminators108, a camera 112, and one or more sensors 120 supported by itsenclosure 116. The enclosure 116 may have elements which protect thesecomponents. For example, a cover 152 may be provided to protect theilluminators 108. The cover 152 may comprise one or more transparent ortranslucent panels or the like which protect the illuminators 108. Thepanels may be mounted to the enclosure 116 or a frame thereof.

Similarly the one or more sensors 120 may be protected by their owncover 144. Such cover 144 may also comprise one or more transparent ortranslucent panels or the like. This permits sensor operation whileprotecting the sensors 120. It is contemplated that the cover 144 may betransparent to various signals. For example, the cover 144 may betransparent to radio frequencies, visible light, infrared light or otherwavelengths of light. This allows a variety of sensors 120 to be used inthe motorized camera 104.

The camera 112 may be protected by a cover 136 of its own. Typically,this cover 136 will be transparent so as to allow the camera 112 tocapture images through the cover 136 without degrading the imagequality. The cover 136 may be curved in one or more embodiments so thatthe cover does not introduce distortions as the camera 112 is positionedat various angles behind the cover.

Another protective aspect of the enclosure 116 involves its shape. Forexample, one or more areas of the enclosure may be inset to protectvarious components. To illustrate, the camera 112 may be mounted in aninset section 140 or portion of the enclosure 116. Likewise, theilluminators 108 and sensors 120 may also be mounted in one or moreinset sections of the enclosure 116.

As stated above, the enclosure 116 may have one or more doors 124 oraccess panels that may be moved to provide access to an interior portionof the enclosure 116. It is contemplated that one or more hinges 128 orthe like may be used to allow doors 124, access panels, or the like tobe removable or movable. In one or more embodiments, one or more latches132, locks, clasps or the like may be provided to secure the doors 124or access panels in place once closed. These may be secured, such as bya locking mechanism, to prevent tampering.

The enclosure 116 also provides a framework or structure upon whichvarious components of the motorized camera 104 may be positioned atparticular locations and orientations. Referring to FIG. 1C for example,it can be seen that the individual sensors 120A,120B,120C have beenpositioned in a convex configuration. As will be described furtherbelow, this allows the combined detection zones of the sensors120A,120B,120C to span a wide swath of area. In addition, the detectionzones may be continuous between the sensors 120A,120B,120C so as toprevent objects from avoiding detection.

FIG. 1C also shows that the illuminators 108A,108B,108C may be of thesame or similar number as the sensors 120A,120B,120C and may have asimilar or the same positioning/orientation. To illustrate, it can beseen in FIG. 1C that the illuminators 108A,108B,108C may be in a similarconvex arrangement as the sensors 120A,120B,120C. This is beneficial inthat an illuminator 108 may be used to provide illumination for thedetection zone provided by its corresponding sensor 120. For example, anobject detected in a detection zone provided by sensor 120C as well asthe detection zone itself may be illuminated by illuminator 108C, whichshares a similar or the same outward facing direction.

Likewise, the camera 112 of the motorized camera 104 may be supported bythe enclosure 116 such that it may move between positions to target eachdetection zone provided by the motorized camera's sensors 120. Forexample, referring to FIG. 1A, the camera 112 may move to a leftposition to target a detection zone provided by sensor 120A, move to acenter position to target the detection zone of sensor 120B, and move toa right position to target the detection zone of sensor 120C.

The camera 112 may move along a continuum between its leftmost andrightmost extents. In one or more embodiments however, predefined camerapositions may be provided. Typically such positions will correspond tothe arrangement of the sensors 120. For example, a predefined cameraposition may be one where the camera 112 is at the same angle as one ofthe sensors 120. In this manner, the camera 112 can capture a completeview of the sensor's detection zone. This increases the likelihood thatan object detected in such detection zone will be captured by the camera112.

FIGS. 2A-2B illustrate the interior composition of the motorized camera104. As can be seen, the enclosure 116 may have one or more interiorsupports and compartments for housing and/or supporting the variouscomponents of the motorized camera 104. For instance, the enclosure 116may have a battery compartment 220 for housing one or more batteries 204such that they properly engage one or more leads or terminals of themotorized camera 104 to provide electrical power thereto. It is notedthat other power sources may be used with the motorized camera 104. Forexample, one or more solar panels may be attached to an exterior portionof the enclosure 116.

A portable power source, such as batteries 204, is advantageous in thatit permits the motorized camera 104 to be easily deployed at virtuallyany location. One reason for this is that the motorized camera 104 canutilize its own power source and thus do away with external connections.This allows the motorized camera to be encapsulated within its enclosure116 and thus allows the camera to be deployed simply by positioning itin a desired location and turning it on.

For example, the motorized camera could be deployed simply by placing iton a table, shelf, or other surface while ensuring its camera faces anarea of interest (e.g., an area containing valuable items, wheresuspicious activity may occur, where an object (e.g., person orwildlife) may appear. The motorized camera may then utilize its batterypower to wait for an object to be present, detect the object, andcapture one or more images of the object. As can be seen (and as will bedetailed further below), the motorized camera can be left unattended tocapture images for a user.

The enclosure 116 may have a control compartment 232 as well. Thecontrol compartment 232 may contain various electronic devices, such asone or more controllers or microprocessors that govern the operation ofthe motorized camera 104. In addition or alternatively, one or moreinput buttons 160 or other input devices could be at or in the controlcompartment 232. One or more output devices, such as display screens,speakers, or the like could also be mounted to or within the controlcompartment 232.

A sensor compartment 224 may be provided to house one or more sensors120. Likewise, an optics compartment 228 may be provided to house one ormore illuminators 108, the camera 112 or both.

It is noted that an enclosure 116 may have a variety of compartmentsother than those described above. In addition, various combinations ofcomponents may be installed in or at a particular compartment. Moreover,it is noted that a compartment need not fully enclose its associatedcomponents. For example, a compartment or section of the enclosure 116may be defined by a support plate or other support/mount to which one ormore components may be mounted.

As its name suggests, the motorized camera 104 may have support variousrotating or moving parts. For instance, the camera 112 may be mounted toa carrier mount 216. Typically, the carrier mount 216 will move, such asby rotating, to position the camera 112 at a desired position. Referringto FIGS. 1A-1C for example, the camera 112 may be rotated or movedhorizontally (i.e., side to side) from the location shown in thesefigures. As will be described further below, this permits the camera 112to execute one or more capture sequences where the camera is positionedat various positions to capture one or more images.

The carrier mount 216 may be configured as an enclosure and/or supportfor the camera 112. As shown for example, the carrier mount 216 enclosesthe camera 112 while supporting the camera. The carrier mount 216 may berotatably mounted so as to allow it and the camera 112 to be moved. Forexample, in one or more embodiments, the carrier mount 216 may pivot onan axel, stem, or the like extending from a mounting surface of theenclosure 116 into the carrier mount, or vice versa.

The carrier mount may 216 may work in cooperation with a motor 212 anddrive assembly 208. The drive assembly 208 will typically be configuredto transfer power from the motor 212 to the carrier mount 216 so as tomove the carrier mount. For example, the drive assembly 208 may compriseone or more gears, drive belts, and the like to transfer power from themotor 212. It is noted that the drive assembly 208 may be optional insome embodiments, since the motor 212 may be directly coupled to thecarrier mount 216.

The drive assembly 208 may be configured to provide a mechanicaladvantage to the motor 212, such as by including one or more gears,pulleys, sprokets, or the like. In this manner, a smaller motor 212 maybe used to reduce noise and size requirements. In addition, it iscontemplated that the drive assembly 208 may reduce the powerrequirements for moving the carrier mount 216 and camera 112, thuspreserving battery life.

It is noted that the coupling between the motor 212 and carrier mount216 may also help support the carrier mount. For example, a drive shaftmay extend between the motor 212 or the drive assembly 208 and thecarrier mount 216. In this manner, the drive shaft (or other couplingelement) can at least help rotatably secure the carrier mount 216.

The carrier mount 216, motor 212, and drive assembly 208 may beconfigured to move silently. In this manner, the motion of the camera isdifficult or impossible to detect thereby allowing images of variousobjects to be captured without their knowledge. This is so even if theobject is an animal or person with particularly sensitive hearing.

FIG. 3 is a flow diagram illustrating electronic components of anexemplary motorized camera. As can be seen, such components may includeone or more processors 304, memory devices 308 and/or storage devicespowered by a power source 320, such as one or more batteries. It isnoted that various power sources could be used including solar panels,external generators, or grid power.

In general, a processor 304 will be configured to receive input, processsuch input, and provide an output which governs the operation of themotorized camera or components thereof to provide the functionality ofthe motorized camera as disclosed herein. The processor 304 may executeone or more instructions to provide such functionality. In someembodiments, the instructions may be machine readable code stored on amemory device 308 or storage device 312 accessible to the processor 304.Alternatively or in addition, some or all of the instructions could behardwired into the processor 304 itself. It is noted that theinstructions may be upgradable such as by replacing old instructionswith new ones.

The memory devices 308 may be temporary storage such as RAM or a cache,while the storage devices 312 may be more permanent storage such as amagnetic, flash, or optical storage device. It is contemplated that thestorage device 312 may utilize removable media or may be remote storageaccessible by the processor 304 via one or more communication links inone or more embodiments. It is noted that, either one or both the memorydevice 308 and storage device 312 may be provided in some embodiments.

As can also be seen, the processor 304 may be in communication withvarious other devices. For example, the processor 304 may communicatesensor information with one or more sensors 120. In general, the sensors120 are configured to detect objects that come within their range.Sensors 120 of various types may be used. For example, an infraredsensor may be used to detect objects, such as wildlife, people, or otherthings based on the heat they emit. The infrared sensor may be passiveor active in various embodiments. Other sensors 120 includeradiofrequency sensors, audio sensors, vibration sensors, motionsensors, and the like. In general, the sensors 120 will be configured togenerate sensor information which identifies whether or not a desiredobject has been detected. It is noted that the sensors 120 may beselected or configured to detect particular objects. For example,passive infrared sensors 120 may be used to detect the presence ofwildlife or people, while radiofrequency or other sensors may be used todetect objects, such as vehicles, weapons, or the like. It iscontemplated that different types of sensors 120 could be used in asingle motorized camera. Alternatively, all the sensors 120 may be ofthe same type.

The processor 304 may take into account which of the sensors 120 it isreceiving sensor information from and perform different operations as aresult. For example, as will be described further below, sensorinformation from a first sensor 120A may result in a first set ofoperations being executed while sensor information from a second sensor120B may result in a second set of operations being executing. It canthus be seen that a number of different operations could be performeddepending which of a plurality of sensors 120 has sent sensorinformation indicating the detection of an object.

In one or more embodiments, the sensor information may be used togenerate output to a motor 212 such as to move or position the camera112 at a particular location. For example, the processor 304 may receivesensor information and then communicate instructions or signals to themotor 212 to position the camera 112 at a particular location or at asequence of locations. In one embodiment, the motor 212 may beinstructed to rotate a number of full or partial revolutions to positionthe camera 112 to capture image(s) of an object. The processor 304 mayalso control the camera 112 to capture one or more images while thecamera is being moved, before or after the camera has moved, or allthree.

It is contemplated that the processor 304 may also activate anilluminator 108 to illuminate the scene to allow the camera 112 tocapture a better image, such as by lighting the area. It is noted thatthe illumination may be visible or invisible light (e.g., infraredillumination). The processor may be in communication with a light sensoror the like to determine whether or not illumination is needed.Alternatively, the processor may consult an internal or other clock anda list of predefined light levels to determine how much sunlight isavailable.

Operation of the motorized camera will now be generally described withregard to FIG. 4. FIG. 4 is a top view illustrating exemplary detectionzones, Zones 1, 2, and 3, for an embodiment of the motorized camera 104.As can be seen, a zone may correspond to a particular sensor 120. Statedanother way, each sensor 120 may have its own detection zone. Adetection zone may be the area in which a sensor 120 may be capable ofdetection objects. It is contemplated that a sensor 120 may have one ormore lenses or other focusing devices to better define its detectionzone.

In addition, the position of a sensor 120 may define its detection zone.For example, as shown in FIG. 4, it can be seen that the triangulardetection zones, Zones 1, 2, and 3 are positioned based on theorientation of the sensors 120A,120B,120C at the motorized camera 104.Referring to FIGS. 1A-1C and FIG. 4, it can be seen that the sensors 120may be positioned in a curved arrangement, such as the convexarrangement shown. This arranges the detection zones of FIG. 4 in thepie shape as shown. It can also be seen that there may be some overlapof the detection zones. For example, Zones 1 and 2 partially overlap andZones 2 and 3 partially overlap in FIG. 4.

As disclosed earlier, the camera 112 may have a number of predefinedcamera positions corresponding to the detection zones. This is alsoillustrated in FIG. 4. For example, Camera Positions A, B, and C may bedefined for Zones 1, 2, and 3. Typically, the predefined camerapositions will be locations at which the camera 112 is positioned tocapture an image of the entire area contained within a zone (minus anyareas behind physical obstructions through which the camera cannot see).In other words, the camera's 112 view at a predefined camera positionmay match that of a sensor's detection zone. In this manner, an objectdetected within a zone can be captured from that zone's predefinedcamera position.

The motorized camera 104 may initiate one or more operations based onwhich zone or zones an object or objects are detected in. If an objectis detected in an overlap area shared by two (or more zones), theoperations to be performed may be selected based on a priority of zones.For example, if an object is in the overlap area of Zone 1 and Zone 2,operations associated with a priority zone may be performed. A list ofzones by priority may be defined for each overlap area in one or moreembodiments. Alternatively, it is contemplated that operationsassociated with all zones including the object may be initiated.

In general, the operations comprise one or more sequences of cameraactions (capture sequences) initiated as a result of object detection.Since the motorized camera 104 may determine which one (or more) of itssensors 120 detected an object, different capture sequences may beinitiated accordingly. Typically, the capture sequences will be definedby one or more instructions, such as in the form of machine readablecode, provided to the motorized camera 104.

As described briefly above, a capture sequence may include one or moremovements of the camera, activation of illumination device(s), imagecapture, or various combinations thereof. In addition a capture sequencemay include image processing, as will be described below. Some examplesof capture sequences are now provided with regard to FIG. 4.

Example Sequence 1

If an object is detected in a detection zone, the camera may be moved toa preset location targeting that detection zone or an area therein. Animage or multiple images may then be captured. Depending on one or morelight level thresholds, an illuminator may be activated to provideillumination as the image is captured. It is noted that the level ofillumination may be adjusted based on the light level around the camera.The illuminator may be activated for various capture sequences.

Example Sequence 2

If an object is detected in a detection zone, the camera may move fromits current location to target the zone in which the object has beendetected. One or more images may be captured during this motion. Thecamera's motion may be stopped or momentarily stopped to capture theseimages. For example, if the camera currently points at Zone 3 and anobject has been detected in Zone 1, the camera may capture one or moreimages at each zone as it moves from Zone 3 to Zone 1. Once at thetarget zone, one or more images may be captured as well.

Example Sequence 3

If an object is detected in a detection zone, the camera may initiate apredefined sequence of movements and image captures. For example, if anobject is detected at Zone 2, the camera may initiate a sweep sequencefrom Zone 3 to Zone 1 (or vice versa) capturing one or more images as itmoves. It is contemplated that once the images are captured (in this andother examples), they may be processed by the camera. For example, theimages captured during the movement from Zone 3 to Zone 1 (or viceversa) may be automatically stitched together to form a panorama, suchas by the processor of the motorized camera 104.

Example Sequence 4

If an object is detected in a detection zone, the camera may capture atleast one image in that zone and its adjacent zone or zones. Forexample, if an object is detected in Zone 1, the camera may be moved toZone 1 (if not already there) to capture one or more images, the cameramay then be moved to Zone 2 to capture one or more images. As anotherexample, if an object is detected in Zone 2 the camera may capture oneor more images in Zone 2 and them move to Zone 1 and/or Zone 3 tocapture one or more images there.

Example Sequence 5

If an object is detected in an overlap area, the camera may capture oneor more images in the overlapping zones. In other words, if an object isdetected in two or more zones, one or more images may be captured ineach zone in which the object is detected. For example, one or moreimages may be captured with the camera targeting Zone 3 and Zone 2, ifan object is detected in the overlap area shared by Zone 3 and Zone 2.

Once one or more images have been captured, they may be saved, such asto a storage device of the motorized camera. For example, the images maybe saved to a flash memory, hard drive, optical disc, or other medium.As stated, image processing may occur after an image has been captured.It is contemplated that an original captured image and its processedcounterpart may be stored. In some embodiments, images may be combined,such as to form a panoramic image. The combined image may be stored on amemory device as well.

Additional details regarding operation of an exemplary motorized camerawill now be described with regard to the flow diagram of FIG. 5. It isnoted that though presented in a particular order, one or more of thesteps in the following may occur in various orders.

At a step 504, the camera may be turned on or activated. At a step 508,one or more commands may be received, such as via one or more inputdevices of the motorized camera. It is contemplated that an externaldevice could be used as well or instead. For example, a computer,handheld, or other device could be used to input or upload or otherwiseprovide commands to the motorized camera via a communication link or aremovable memory device.

The commands may be used to configure the camera. For example, a usermay set the time, date, image quality, image size, and other parameters.It is contemplated that various timers may be established as well. Forexample, one or more timers may be set to automatically turn on or offthe motorized camera (or activate/deactivate its monitoring or imagecapture functions) at various times or dates. This helps preserve orconserve power, and may be used to help ensure that the object a userdesires to capture is more likely to be captured. For example, tocapture nocturnal wildlife, one or more timers may be set to activatethe motorized camera at night. This increases the likelihood thatnocturnal wildlife is captured, saving power as well as storagecapacity. This in turn extends the operational time of the motorizedcamera in the field before additional power or storage capacity isneeded.

In one or more embodiments, commands (or other input) may be received toprogram one or more image capture sequences. In general, such commandswill define the operation of the camera when an object is detected. Forexample, as disclosed above, the camera may be moved to a particularindex or position to capture one or more images in one or more zones asa result of an object being detected. Thus, the capture sequences maycomprise particular camera movements, image capture actions, illuminatoractions and other operations that occur when an object is detected bythe motorized camera's sensors. As stated above, different sequences maybe defined based on the zone or zones in which an object is detected. Inaddition, the sequences may include conditional instructions oroperations. For example, an illuminator action may be defined toactivate an illuminator only if a light level threshold (or othercondition) is met.

In general, the camera movements of a capture sequence will compriseinstructions to move a camera from one position to another. In someembodiments, the camera may be capable of being positioned in discretelocations along a continuum. For example, as shown in FIG. 1 and FIG. 4,there are three sensors 120, each having their own position andorientation, which define three detection zones, Zones 1-3. Therefore,in this example, the camera 112 may have three discrete positions (e.g.,left position, center position, right position) corresponding to each ofthe zones. The camera movements in this example may be configured toallow the camera to move between these fixed positions. It is noted thatfewer or additional sensors, detection zones, and camera positions(other than the three described above) may be provided in variousembodiments of the motorized camera.

In general, the image capture actions of a capture sequence instruct thecamera to capture one or more images. The image capture actions maydefine a number of images to capture once the camera is at a particularlocation. It is contemplated that the image capture actions may includeone or more conditional operations that may be executed if particularconditions are met. For example, the camera may be instructed to captureadditional images if lighting conditions are dim or otherwiseundesireable, such as to increase the likelihood that a quality image ofan object is captured in such conditions.

In some embodiments, the image capture actions may define settings forthe camera. For example, exposure, zoom, and focus could be defined.Alternatively, one or more of these could be automatically set by themotorized camera. Since it may be difficult to properly set theseactions, it is noted that some embodiments of the motorized camera mayutilize a fixed aspect camera which may automatically capture qualityimages without requiring a defined exposure, zoom, and/or focus setting.

It is noted that the commands received at step 508 may be received atvarious times. In some embodiments, such as described above, thecommands may be received via a removable memory device inserted into themotorized camera. Thus the motorized camera need not even be turned onto receive the commands. Likewise, one or more commands may be receivedwhile the motorized camera is activated. For example, one or morecapture sequences may be updated, deleted, or added in this manner.

At a step 512, the motorized camera may begin monitoring for objects inits detection zones. This may include activating one or more of themotorized camera's sensors. At a decision step 516, if an object isdetected one or more capture sequences 544 may occur, such as shown. Ifno object is detected, the motorized camera may continue monitoring atstep 512.

If an object is detected, the zone or zones in which the object wasdetected may be determined in a step 520. This may occur in variousways. In one embodiment, the sensor which detected the object mayindicate which of the zones the object is in. To illustrate, referringto FIG. 4, it can be seen that each detection zone corresponds to asensor. Thus, the sensor that detects an object identifies which zonethe object is in. It is noted that two or more sensors may detect theobject, such as if the object is in an overlap area. In such case, thesensors that detected the object may be used to identify which zones theobject is in. If multiple objects are detected, each object, the zone ormore zones in which they were detected may be determined as well.

The camera and sensors may be calibrated to have correspondingcapabilities. For example, the detection zone of a sensor may becalibrated to match the view captured by the camera, or vice versa. Inthis manner, moving the camera to a particular zone ensures thateverything in the detection zone is captured by the camera. This isadvantageous in that it ensures that an object detected in a zone iscaptured even if the object is at the edges or fringes of the zone.

One or more capture sequences 544 may then be executed. Though shown asincluding particular steps by the dashed box in FIG. 5, it iscontemplated that a capture sequence may include various steps oroperations, such as described herein. For example, a capture sequencemay include tagging an image, which will be described further below. Itis noted that one or more capture sequences may be retrieved from astorage device of the motorized camera for execution based on variouscriteria. For example, different capture sequences may be retrieved forexecution depending on which zone or zones an object was detected in.Some other exemplary criteria include the time of day, ambient lightlevel, visibility, wind, humidity, and other environmental conditions.It is noted that these criteria may also or alternatively be used in thecapture sequences (such as in one or more conditional instructions) suchas to define image capture, camera movement, and illuminator actions.

At a step 524, the camera may be moved to a particular positionaccording to the capture sequence. For example, if the capture sequenceinstructs the camera to move to the zone in which the object wasdetected, the camera will so move in step 524. It is noted thattypically the camera will at some point be moved to the zone in whichthe object was detected to capture one or more images there. It is alsonoted that that zone need not be the zone the first image or images arecapture in. For example, an image may be captured at the camera'scurrent position and then at the zone in which the object was detected(after the camera has been moved there).

At a step 528, one or more images may be captured. Again, the capturesequence may define the number of images captured and zoom, focus, orother camera settings. The capture sequence may also define a variablenumber of images to be captured based on the favorability orunfavorability of visibility, light, or other conditions, such asdescribed above.

At a decision step 532, it may be determined whether or not a capturesequence is complete. As stated above, a capture sequence may includeone or more camera movements to capture images at various camerapositions. Thus, at decision step 532, if the capture sequence is notcomplete, the camera may be moved to another position at step 524 whereone or more additional images may be captured at step 528. Cameramovement and image capture (as well as other capture sequence) steps maybe repeated until the capture sequence is complete at decision step 532.

If at decision step 532 the capture sequence is complete, the capturedimage(s) may be processed and/or tagged at a step 536. For example,captured images from a capture sequence may be processed to improve oralter their color, exposure, or other attributes. As another example, ifthe capture sequence was a panoramic sequence, the images captured maybe stitched together as part of the processing of step 536.

Images may also be tagged at step 536. In general, tagging identifiesone or more particular images from the other images that have beencaptured. In one or more embodiments, the particular images may be thosethat are more likely or that actually contain the object that wasdetected. For example, in a capture sequence spanning multiple zones,only image(s) capture in the zone at which the object was detected maybe tagged. This allows these images (which contain the object) to beeasily selected and viewed out of the remainder of the images that havebeen captured. This is highly advantageous especially where there arenumerous images to review. It is noted that tagging and/or processing ofimages may occur as part of a capture sequence. For example, images maybe processed and/or tagged after they have been captured.

Tagging may occur in various ways. In one embodiment for example, theimage files may have a “tag” written or associated therewith. In anotherembodiment, tagged images may be stored in a different directory,folder, storage device, or data storage area than untagged images. Inyet another embodiment, a list or database may be maintained by thecamera which identifies tagged images, such as by their filename orother identifier.

At a step 540, captured images may be stored on a storage device.Typically this will be a storage device internal to the motorized cameraso that the motorized camera does not rely on an external device tooperate. It is contemplated that a remote storage device could be usedin some embodiments however. The step of storing an image may also occuras part of a capture sequence. For example, a copy of a captured imagemay be stored right after it has been captured. Additional copies of theimage may then be stored as well, such as a copy of a processed versionof the image or a stitched together panorama of a number of capturedimages. Tagging may occur before or after the image has been stored.

Once a number of images have been stored, a user may view them. In oneor more embodiments, the motorized camera may provide a view screen,such as an LCD or other display, through which the captured images maybe displayed. In addition or alternatively, the motorized camera mayhave a communication device that may be used to transmit images to otherdevices for viewing. Alternatively or in addition, a removable storagedevice on which the images have been stored can be removed from themotorized camera and inserted into another device for viewing or otheroperations. For example, the storage device may be a flash memory stick,USB memory, hard drive, optical media, or other storage medium that isreadable via another device, such as a computer, printer, or the like.

While various embodiments of the invention have been described, it willbe apparent to those of ordinary skill in the art that many moreembodiments and implementations are possible that are within the scopeof this invention. In addition, the various features, elements, andembodiments described herein may be claimed or combined in anycombination or arrangement.

What is claimed is:
 1. A motorized camera comprising: a movable imagingdevice; a motor operably coupled to the movable imaging device; aplurality of sensors arranged to detect the presence of an object at oneor more of a plurality of distinct areas, and to generate outputidentifying a particular area of the plurality of distinct areas whenthe object is detected; an enclosure, wherein each of the plurality ofsensors are supported by the enclosure and are arranged to target eachof the plurality of distinct areas; a processor that receives the outputand moves the movable imaging device according to a sequence, thesequence comprising moving the movable imaging device to first targetthe particular area identified in the output and then one or more otherareas of the plurality of distinct areas in a predefined order, whereinthe movable imaging device captures an image of the particular area andone or more additional images of the one or more other areas during thesequence; and a storage device that stores the image and the one or moreadditional images.
 2. The motorized camera of claim 1, wherein theobject is an animal or other wildlife.
 3. The motorized camera of claim1 further comprising a watertight enclosure.
 4. The motorized camera ofclaim 1 further comprising an internal power source.
 5. The motorizedcamera of claim 1 further comprising one or more illuminators arrangedto illuminate one or more of the plurality of distinct areas.
 6. Themotorized camera of claim 1, wherein the processor also positions theimage and the one or more additional images adjacent to one another togenerate a single combined image.
 7. The motorized camera of claim 1further comprising a rotatable mount that supports the movable imagingdevice.
 8. A motorized camera comprising: a movable imaging device; amotor operably coupled to the movable imaging device; one or moresensors arranged to detect the presence of an object at each of aplurality of areas and, when detected, to identify a particular area ofthe plurality of areas where the object is present; an enclosure,wherein the one or more sensors are supported by the enclosure; wherein,upon detection of the object, the motor moves the movable imaging deviceaccording to a sequence, the sequence comprising moving the movableimaging device to first target the particular area and then one or moreother areas of the plurality of areas in a predefined order, and themovable imaging device captures an image of the particular area and oneor more additional images of the one or more other areas during thesequence; and a storage device that stores the image and the one or moreadditional images.
 9. The motorized camera of claim 8 further comprisinga processor that positions the image and the one or more additionalimages adjacent to one another to generate a single combined image. 10.The motorized camera of claim 8, wherein the object is an animal orother wildlife.
 11. The motorized camera of claim 8 further comprising awatertight enclosure.
 12. The motorized camera of claim 8 furthercomprising an internal power source.
 13. The motorized camera of claim 8further comprising one or more illuminators arranged to illuminate oneor more of the plurality of distinct areas.
 14. The motorized camera ofclaim 8 further comprising a rotatable mount that supports the movableimaging device.